For best experience please turn on javascript and use a modern browser!
You are using a browser that is no longer supported by Microsoft. Please upgrade your browser. The site may not present itself correctly if you continue browsing.
Master
Philosophy of the Humanities and the Social Sciences (Philosophy)
Compare programme

Application & admission

The Master’s Philosophy of the Humanities and Social Sciences is a combined programme with either a Master’s in the humanities or a Master’s in the social sciences. Therefore, you are required to apply to and receive a (conditional) offer for two Master’s programmes separately for the same academic year: the Master’s Philosophy of the Humanities and Social Sciences and a second Master's of your choice in the humanities or social sciences. The application deadline for each Master’s could be different. Please make sure to check the deadlines of both Master’s programmes separately and apply in time.

Application process

  • 1. Check deadlines

    Applicants with a non-EU/EEA nationality
    1 March 2023, 23:59 CET (register in Studielink before 27 February, see step 3)

    Applicants with a Dutch or other EU/EEA nationality
    15 May 2023, 23:59 CET (register in Studielink before 13 May, see step 3)

    Please note: if you are an applicant with an EU/EEA nationality and wish to apply for housing, you must submit your application by 1 March.

  • 2. Check entry requirements

    The Philosophy of the Humanities and the Social Sciences programme is open to students with a Bachelor’s degree from the UvA, or an equivalent degree from another university, in:

    • Philosophy, provided the student meets the entry requirements for education at Master’s level in the field of the social sciences or the humanities.
    • A Bachelor’s degree that provides access to education at Master’s level in the field of the social sciences or the humanities, which includes a (relevant) minor in Philosophy worth 30 ECTS and a Philosophy of Science module.

    You can also register with a university Bachelor’s degree other than the ones specified above. The Examinations Board will then look at the specifics of your Bachelor’s degree, your grade point averages and your Bachelor’s thesis, as well as your motivation. It is possible that the Examinations Board will set the admission requirement that you must first complete the pre-Master’s programme, provided you are eligible for this.

    Pre-Master's programme

    If you do not meet the entry requirements above, you may be eligible for admission after completing the pre-Master's programme Philosophy of the Humanities and Social Sciences. Please note that this pre-Master's programme is not intended for students with a degree from a Dutch University of Applied Sciences (HBO).

    Pre-master Philosophy of the Humanities and Social Sciences

    Financial assistance for students

    If you do the two-year Philosophy of the Humanities and the Social Sciences programme, you are entitled to a fifth year of financial assistance for students, provided you meet the general conditions for receiving financial assistance for students and you have done a three-year Bachelor’s degree.

    For more information, please see the Education Executive Agency (Dienst Uitvoering Onderwijs, DUO) website and the tab ‘Een master gaan doen’ (information in Dutch only):

    DUO

    English language requirements

    New Master's students should be able to speak, read, write and understand English at an advanced academic level. Please check carefully whether you already meet the English language requirements or whether you need to arrange to take an official English language test. See the English language requirements on the Graduate School of Humanities website.

    Read more about language requirements
  • 3. Register in Studielink
  • 4. Submit your UvA application form

    After enrolling in Studielink, you will automatically receive an email with a link to your MyInfo UvA application form. To log in to MyInfo you need your UvAnetID. Please fill out the application form, upload the required documents and submit your MyInfo application form before the application deadline.

    Application fee

    All applicants holding a nationality outside the EU/EEA are required to pay an application fee of €100 per Studielink enrolment before submitting your MyInfo application form. You will find payment instructions on your application form.

    Application documents

    Make sure you are well prepared before you start your application, and you have all necessary documents ready. You are asked to upload the following documents:

    • curriculum vitae;
    • proof of language proficiency (if required, see language requirements);
    • transcript of records, up-to-date and issued by your home institution (if you are already a student at the UvA, a screenshot from SIS is sufficient);
    • diploma (if already obtained)* or list of courses yet to complete;
    • translation of your diploma and transcript of records (if they are not in English, Dutch, German or French).

    This programme does not require additional programme-specific documents.

    *Please note: If you have not yet obtained your diploma but are in possession of all other application documents, you may proceed with your application - as long as you obtain your Bachelor's degree before 1 September. If you have a non-Dutch prior education, please bear in mind that you must submit your certified documents before 1 May (non-EEA students) or 1 August (EEA students).

After submitting your application

Once we have received your complete application, it will be evaluated by our Admissions Board. This programme offers rolling admissions, meaning you will receive an admission decision within 10 to 12 weeks. It is therefore advisable to complete your application well before the deadline.

If you are admitted to the programme, you will receive a letter of conditional acceptance. In order to proceed with your enrolment, you must accept this offer at your earliest convenience. Read more about the steps you need to take after (conditional) acceptance on the website of the Graduate School of Humanities: